Insane discrepancy in clutch stat doesn’t favor LeBron James in GOAT debate versus Michael Jordan
MJ or LBJ? Who is basketball’s GOAT? Michael Jordan versus Lebron James has been the long-standing question over the last decadeGetty It is one of sport’s greatest debates, with no objective answer. Michael Jordan stans will always point to Jordan’s 6-0 record in the NBA Finals as the clear tie-breaker over any argument the LeBron James stans provide. The James stans will point to James’ longevity and plethora of untouchable records as the counterargument. Around and around they go. At this point, it’s more of a preference. However, there is one key stat that works in Jordan’s favor. And that comes in the form of being clutch when it counts. In a career that has been full of James delivering in such moments, he surprisingly hasn’t had many of them wearing the purple and gold. In fact, he’s only had one (within the parameters of this certain stat). According to ESPN, James has only made one game-tying or go-ahead field goal in 29 attempts in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime. James has had a rough go at it with the game on the line in his Laker careerGetty He was 1/27 before Wednesday night’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets, when he attempted two game-tying three-pointers under five seconds that were off line. 1/29. However, it would be unfair to say that James hasn’t delivered as a Laker. The ‘final five seconds’ addition of that stat can make it look deceiving, as there have been countless moments of James putting the game on ice, delivering the dagger in wins and coming up big when it counts. But there is no doubt that the 1-29 stat is jarring, no matter how pigeon-holed it might be. That of course isn’t to say James hasn’t been clutch throughout his career. This is a man who has the most game-winning buzzer beaters in playoff history, with five. Jordan had three. However, Jordan is 5/11 (45.5%) in game-tying or go-ahead field goals made in the playoffs with five seconds left in the fourth quarter or overtime, while James is 8/20 (40%). Jordan is also 3/5 in the Finals in such cases. while James is 0/4. Stats can be construed and nitpicked all the live long day in favor of one player or another. A lot of the time, they are disingenuous points being brought up. But what’s at least clear in this case, and certain statistic, is that Lakers fans would probably like to see James’ 1-29 stat bumped up a little.
MJ or LBJ?
Who is basketball’s GOAT?
It is one of sport’s greatest debates, with no objective answer.
Michael Jordan stans will always point to Jordan’s 6-0 record in the NBA Finals as the clear tie-breaker over any argument the LeBron James stans provide.
The James stans will point to James’ longevity and plethora of untouchable records as the counterargument.
Around and around they go.
At this point, it’s more of a preference.
However, there is one key stat that works in Jordan’s favor.
And that comes in the form of being clutch when it counts.
In a career that has been full of James delivering in such moments, he surprisingly hasn’t had many of them wearing the purple and gold.
In fact, he’s only had one (within the parameters of this certain stat).
According to ESPN, James has only made one game-tying or go-ahead field goal in 29 attempts in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime.
He was 1/27 before Wednesday night’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets, when he attempted two game-tying three-pointers under five seconds that were off line.
1/29.
However, it would be unfair to say that James hasn’t delivered as a Laker.
The ‘final five seconds’ addition of that stat can make it look deceiving, as there have been countless moments of James putting the game on ice, delivering the dagger in wins and coming up big when it counts.
But there is no doubt that the 1-29 stat is jarring, no matter how pigeon-holed it might be.
That of course isn’t to say James hasn’t been clutch throughout his career.
This is a man who has the most game-winning buzzer beaters in playoff history, with five.
Jordan had three.
However, Jordan is 5/11 (45.5%) in game-tying or go-ahead field goals made in the playoffs with five seconds left in the fourth quarter or overtime, while James is 8/20 (40%).
Jordan is also 3/5 in the Finals in such cases. while James is 0/4.
Stats can be construed and nitpicked all the live long day in favor of one player or another.
A lot of the time, they are disingenuous points being brought up.
But what’s at least clear in this case, and certain statistic, is that Lakers fans would probably like to see James’ 1-29 stat bumped up a little.
